“Very well. Now for the letter. Read it to me.”
In a slow, deliberate manner, in order that it might be fully understood, Guy read the letter.
The accompanying paper, however, he did not produce. He did not care to give away the whole secret unless he was assured of the captain’s co-operation.
“This is a strange yarn,” was Captain Grover’s comment, after he had heard the letter through.
“Don’t you believe it?” asked Guy, quickly.
“It sounds plausible,” answered the captain, slowly, “but I have heard a great many stories about pirate treasure. Plenty of sailors are ready to manufacture them. They tell them so often that at last they come to believe them themselves.”
“My uncle George would not indulge in deception.”
“I presume not, but I am not so sure as to the sailor from whom he received the information.”
“The sailor was on his deathbed. Would a man be likely to tell a falsehood at such a time?”
“No doubt it has been done often. However, the paper which he gave to your uncle was not written when he was on his deathbed, as I understand, but some time before, when he was perfectly well, and had no idea of death.”